OJC Dance

At the OJC Dance Studio, we are committed to providing quality dance instruction.
The priority of everyone on the staff is safety and technique. All of this is done
while maintaining a healthy body, healthy self image, building strength, friendships,
confidence, and most importantly, having fun.

What started out as an after school dance program in 1981, offering classes in beginning
ballet, has grown to include classes in all levels of ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and
children's movement classes for Pre-School aged children. The program has become a
stepping stone for students in the Arkansas Valley wishing to pursue dance in college
and beyond!

Children as young as 2 years old can start developing coordination, stamina, and strength
in our classes. Stop by our studio and observe a class any time!

OJC Dance Studio classes include:

• Ballet, Tap and Tumbling mixed class for 5-6 year olds

• Tot Trot, a movement exploration class for 3-4 year olds

• Tumble Tikes, a movement class especially for 4-5 year olds

Stop by our studio any time to take a look around and get acquainted with our staff.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with the OJC Dance Studio Director
regarding our classes, please send an e-mail to jennifer.jackson@ojc.eduor call us at 719-384-6812.

The OJC Dance Studio offers classes for students ages 3-adult in Ballet, Tap, Jazz
and Pointé

Movement Classes

Tot Trot for ages 3-4

Tumble Tikes 4-5

Pre-Dance for ages 5-6

Ballet Classes

All levels of Ballet for ages 6 and above

Pre-Pointe’ for ages 10 and above

Pointe’ Technique for ages 12 and above

Tap/Jazz

This 45-60 minute class combined class progresses at a steady pace to move through
tap and jazz steps and combinations. Warm-up is followed by center floor work and
movement across the floor to build skills and combinations that become more difficult
with each level. Levels offered will vary depending on the need of students.

Class Schedule

Dress Code

It’s important for students to abide by a dress code policy for the following reasons:

A neat and tidy appearance sets an attitude of attentiveness and respect for students,
teacher, and the art of dance.

Teachers must be able to see the dancer's body outline clearly in order to make proper
corrections on posture, alignment, etc.

Hair must be properly secured and tied up off of the face and neck for all styles
of dance.

Jewelry must not be loose or dangling. Any jewelry that must be removed should be
placed in a secure place. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. It is encouraged
that you NOT wear inappropriate jewelry to the studio in the first place.

Gum chewing is not allowed due to danger of choking and appearance. All gum must be
spit out before class starts. If a dancers requires a “cough drop” they will not dance
until it is completely finished.

No loose fitting pants, blue jeans or t-shirts.

No costumes are allowed in class unless a dress up day is announced by the individual
teacher.

Tot Trot/Tumble Tikes

Girls: Any color leotard or t-shirt, bare feet, sweats or shorts depending on the
weather if the dancer prefers.

Boys: Any color t-shirt or sweatshirt, bare feet, sweats or shorts depending on the
weather.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the OJC Dance Studio. If you do not
see your question below, please contact us so that we may assist you further.

How long does your semester run?

Typically, OJC Dance Fall and Spring semesters run for 15 weeks, from August to December
and January to May.

How many performances do you have per year?

We have one big studio produced spring recital every other year and a holiday performance
every other year, with smaller recitals on the “off” semesters. We also have a student
produced showcase in the spring highlighting the choreographic talents of our students.

How much are classes?

Please see the Class Schedule for more information about tuition costs. It varies
according to the age of the dancer and the length of the class.

My daughter has been taking ballet for so long, will she ever get her pointé shoes?

We get this question a lot. Students seem to take ballet classes for years and yet
the instructor never seems to say, “Okay, I think you’re ready for pointé shoes.”
An extreme amount of stress is applied to the muscles, ligaments, joints and bones
of the feet and ankles during pointé work. If a student is placed on pointé to soon,
damage can be done to the growth plates, as well as numerous other injuries that can
effect the dancer for a lifetime.

Since 1981, thousands of dance students have passed through the studio doors of OJC
Dance. Founder, Darlene Blackford, wanted to provide a studio where anyone, regardless
of ability, or potential, could learn to dance. In 2006, former student of Darlene,
Jennifer Jackson, took over the role of Director. What started out as an after school
dance program offering classes in beginning ballet has grown to include classes in
numerous styles of dance. The program has become a stepping stone for students in
the Arkansas Valley wishing to pursue a career in dance.

Jennifer Jackson

Also a former student of Darlene’s, Jennifer took over as Director in 2006 following
Denise’s resignation and a three year run as Co-Director.

Jennifer has trained with many different dance companies including, Colorado Ballet,
Sangre de Cristo Ballet, Pueblo Ballet, Kim Robards Dance, Colorado Springs Ballet
Academy and the University of Wyoming Dance and Theater Department.